Rookie 11 year old

Straw,scan down through the recent(one months) threads,you'll get all kinds of info,if not go back even more.
What is your target fish at that time,Salmon or Steelhead?The Salmon will be getting a little ripe by that time and they tend to act like logs when hooked,however the Steelhead will be very frisky as many will be entering the river to feed on the eggs.So if it's the Steelies pay attention to those threads,lighter terminal tackle,smaller flies,etc.
 

Straw,even though your looking for Steel a Salmon might be easier for your son to entice just for the chance to hook up.So go to the upper reaches of the river where they will be spawning and try to aggravate a male to attack your sons fly.

An 8-10 foot noodle rod in the 4-15 pound line range and 1/16 to 1/2 oz lure range.
9' Ugly stick is fairly inexpensive and almost unbreakable.
http://www.fishusa.com/Shakespeare-Ugly-Stik-Big-Water-SalmonSteelhead-Spinning-Rods_p.html?i=E98DB0667FF14E8CBB60DD8CD82F78E7

http://www.fishusa.com/Shakespeare-Ugly-Stik-9-Medium-Spinning-Rod_p.html?i=E98DB0667FF14E8CBB60DD8CD82F78E7

http://www.fishusa.com/Rods-SalmonSteelheadRods_c.html?i=E98DB0667FF14E8CBB60DD8CD82F78E7

Some say they are heavy to use all day but I think they are great.

Spinning reel with a good drag and 4-12 pound line depending on conditions.
Okuma Inspira30 or 40-not the cheaper Okumas or a Penn 4400SS are good choices.
Some might say 6lb line for anything

Use skein or power-bait with a #12 hook on a 6lb fluorocarbon leader
with 1/8oz sinker and an indicater(small bober) try varios depths and allow to flow with current.
Single eggs or minnows on a snelled egg hook. as above.
Maggots on a black mini-foo with split shot 2' above and indicator is my favorite.
Casting spoons also works-Little Cleo's
If water is not clear don't bother to use a florocarbon leader