- Craig Sheffer as Norman Maclean
- Brad Pitt as Paul Maclean
- Tom Skerritt as Reverend Maclean
- Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Maclean
- Emily Lloyd as Jessie Burns
- Edie McClurg as Mrs. Burns
- Stephen Shellen as Neal Burns
In addition, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Van Gravage portray the childhood versions of Norman and Paul, respectively, while director Robert Redford provides the uncredited narration, in the first person voice of a senior Norman.