A six-weight would be fine for smaller rivers and smaller flies. Generally, steelhead rods are between 7-9wts. These heavier rods are needed to cast the larger(4-1/0)size steelhead flies that are normally used. I use a 6wt. for small rivers and 8wt. for large, but use a 7wt. and 9wt. line on them respectively. Floating lines are good for general conditions, but if you get hooked on steelheading(and you will), you will also need to purchase a sink-tip line for the deeper water. For the 6wt, use flies size 8, 6 and 4. And purchase some 9-12 ft. steelhead leaders for the size flies mentioned. These are just general guide lines. Check with a fly shop near you and get some recommendations on flies and tackle for the specific place you plan to fish. Some general flies that work everywhere include, wooly buggers, egg-sucking leech, comets, brindle bug, assassin, egg patterns, bombers and skaters. Steelheading can be very tough. For the first time or two I would go with a experienced steelheader or hire a guide. Steelhead are awesome fish, a harder-fighting fish, you will never find. Good luck.