The Real Story Behind the Fly Rods in “A River Runs Through It”

The Real Story Behind the Fly Rods in “A River Runs Through It”

“A River Runs Through It.” Just hearing the title probably conjures up images of Montana’s stunning rivers and, of course, those mesmerizing fly-fishing scenes. The movie didn’t just tell a story; it sparked a fly-fishing craze! But have you ever wondered who actually did all that incredible casting? It’s a bit more complicated than simply saying “Brad Pitt,” that’s for sure.

Okay, so the film stars Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer, and Tom Skerritt as the Maclean family. Great actors, no doubt. But seasoned fly fishermen? Not so much. Truth is, none of the main cast were experts with a fly rod before filming. The production knew they needed help, so they brought in the ringers: experts to train the actors and, let’s be honest, to step in for the really tricky shots.

Tom Skerritt, playing the Reverend, actually had a little experience with fly fishing. Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer, portraying the brothers, were athletic guys and quick learners. I heard Pitt even practiced on a Los Angeles rooftop for weeks! A friend of Paul Maclean, George Croonenberghs, even helped teach them the basics, like the roll cast and how to set a hook.

Still, for the film to really capture the beauty and skill of fly fishing, they needed the pros. Enter the casting doubles.

These weren’t just any anglers; we’re talking about guys like Jason Borger (son of the legendary Gary Borger), John Dietsch, and Jerry Siem. These were the artists who made the fly fishing look so effortless on screen.

Jason Borger himself was a casting double in many scenes. Remember the “Roll Casting” scene? That’s him! He once mentioned that there were five major fishing scenes where he, Dietsch, and Siem were the ones actually casting.

And Jerry Siem? He was Brad Pitt’s main casting double. Think of those long, graceful, powerful casts that Paul Maclean makes. That was Siem’s magic. Remember the “Breaking Free” scene? That seemingly effortless casting that just oozed artistry? Yep, that was Jerry Siem.

John Dietsch also stepped in as a casting double in several scenes. These guys were the unsung heroes of the fly-fishing sequences.

Interestingly, Jason Borger said the actors picked up fly fishing pretty quickly. Skerritt and Sheffer went with a more traditional forearm style, while Pitt used a freer arm style that Paul Maclean would have likely used. Pretty cool, huh?

Now, about that “shadow cast”… You know, that iconic image from the film? It’s gorgeous, no question. But here’s a little secret: the “Shadow Cast” as shown in the movie? Purely cinematic. Not a real fly-fishing technique! Jason Borger performed that while balancing on a rock in the middle of the river. Movie magic!

“A River Runs Through It” did more than just entertain; it changed fly fishing. The sport saw a massive surge in popularity after the film’s release. It wasn’t just fishing; it was an art form, a spiritual experience. The film made it look… well, irresistible.

Here are a few behind-the-scenes tidbits I always find fascinating:

• They filmed the movie mostly on the Gallatin River, not the Blackfoot River, as the story suggests.
• Sometimes, the “fish” on the end of the line was just a half-gallon milk jug filled with rocks! Talk about improvisation.
• And in that scene where Paul’s fighting a fish behind a boulder? That was John Bailey from Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop, tugging on the line!

So, while Brad Pitt and the cast brought the characters to life, it was the skill of fly-fishing pros like Jason Borger, Jerry Siem, and John Dietsch that made those fly-fishing scenes so captivating. They inspired a whole generation to pick up a rod and reel, and they cemented “A River Runs Through It” as a true classic.