new guy help

new to this.
gonna be in this area for a while and have been reading this board.
getting excited about this fishing.
can anyone give me some pointers?
will these fish take flies or do i need to get one of those centerpin outfits i have read about?
what flies work if they do?
where is the best place to fish for them.
i don't like crowds but to catch a 30 pound fish i guess i can put up with them.
when is the best time to catch them.
time of year and is there a best time of day?
i know i'l think of more.
any help will be appreciated.
thanks
tom

I'll help with some, get at least a 9' rod of medium action or 8wt-10wt. They do hit flies or egg sacks but for fishing around crowds keep it small. To avoid the crowds get away from the areas near parking lots or fish more mid week. Anytime from about September 15th on is a surefire bet there'll be fish around you. Don't wear bright clothing either, remember these fish would see alot once they get to you so blaze orange hats and hawaiian shirts are out. When you hook one the fish owns you, let your drag do the work and stay close to them they'll tire soon that's when you put the heat too em. Ill leave room here for more hints from members, so good luck and have fun.

Transitional water is the water in between pools and resting areas in which they are in "transition".... Dont be fooled though, salmon will often rest for long periods of time in this water. Even if they are running, they will still rest for long enough periods of time to catch them legally, as long as they are not molested and fished to properly... ive found that the deep pools may hold a lot of fish, but they are usually pressured and spooked by the crowds.....and they are rarely stabilized or standing still...a pool filled with circling fish is not ideal for catching salmon ethically and legally... fish the seems and edges of white water where pockets merge...they will be more inclined to strike out of aggression if its a spot they choose for a temporary resting spot... and also soft water riffles in flat water areas. Good luck

so transitional water is like pocket water?
these fish hang in midwater column in pockets and along seams?
what size for egg and streamers and what is meant by small for crowded conditions?

Twobob, I'd use 12 lb.,  maybe even 15 if you're in a crowd or a near a tail where you can't chase the fish down. I use a non-slip loop knot. I've had success with flies that have lots of  movement tied with rabbit or marabou. Orange, pink/flesh  and chartreuse are good. So are the glo-bugs- have some blue in those.  I've used an 8, just make sure your drag is set . I'd rather use a 9 on the sharks, as there's usually people around you and you can really put the wood to them and get em landed after the initial runs.  A good net is a big help. 
Have a blast!
 
Charlie

Another thing to take into consideration is what the fisherman are doing down stream from you. If they are wacking at them with large hunks of lead and a ripping motion the fish coming bye you are gonna be very line shy. If everyone is fishing respectfully you can use a heaver leader as they wont be as paniced and will hold long enough for you to present an offering. Enjoy