The Maclean brothers, Paul and Norman, live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister, the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess where they've been and where they're going.
Craig Sheffer Norman Maclean
Brad Pitt Paul Maclean
Tom Skerritt Rev. Maclean
Brenda Blethyn Mrs. Maclean
Edie McClurg Mrs. Burns
Stephen Shellen Neal Burns
Vann Gravage Young Paul
Susan Traylor Rawhide
Nicole Burdette Mabel
Emily Lloyd Jessie Burns
William Hootkins Murphy
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Young Norman
Michael Cudlitz Chub
Rob Cox Conroy
Buck Simmonds Humph
Fred Oakland Mr. Burns
David Creamer Ken Burns
Madonna Reubens Aunt Sally
John Reubens Uncle Jimmy
Arnold Richardson Old Norman
MacIntyre Dixon Police Sergeant
Al Richardson Mr. Murchison
Jess Schwidde Mr. Sweeney
Chuck Adamson Harry the Editor
Rex Kendall Reporter
Jack Kroll Reporter
Martina Kreidl Secretary at Newspaper
Noah Scot Snyder Copy Boy at Newspaper
Margot Kiser Sal
Philip A. Braun Dealer at Lolo
Tracy Mayfield Bouncer at Lolo
Anne Merrem Hooker at Lolo
Chuck Tweed Drunk in Jail
Prudence Johnson Pavilion Singer
D. Gorton Pavilion Announcer
Lincoln Quesenberry Drunk in Alley
Hawk Forssell Bouncer at Speakeasy
Jim Dunkin Speakeasy Bartender
Jacob Snyder Piano Player
Kathy Scharler Waitress at Speakeasy
Don Jeffery Black Jack
Byron Dingman Speakeasy Patron
Cecily Johnson Speakeasy Patron
Caleb Shiff Young John
Camille Bonora Helen Kane Impersonator (uncredited)
Robert Redford Narrator (voice) (uncredited)