Perhaps no other 20th century book has had a more profound impact on the state of Montana than Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs through It.”
HOOKS FOR BOOKS
UM News Service tells us that The University of Montana’s Creative Writing Program will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “A River Runs through It” during its fifth annual Hooks for Books fundraiser September 27-29. During the event, Maclean’s son, author and journalist John Maclean, will be honored with the Writers on Water Award.
Perhaps no other 20th century book has had a more profound impact on the state of Montana than Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs through It.” The 104-page novella, originally published in 1976 – and the ensuing 1992 movie directed by Robert Redford – helped create what has been called the “big bang moment” for fly-fishing in the West.
In the 50 years since its publication, fly-fishing has exploded in popularity, becoming arguably Montana’s signature outdoor sport. The ripple effect has reshaped both the state’s cultural and economic landscape, transforming Montana into a sought-after destination for fly-fishers worldwide.
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HOW TO GET HOOKED
Hooks for Books is a weekend of fly-fishing, camaraderie, and fun to benefit the Creative Writing Department at UM. Select lucky anglers in teams of two will fish some of the world’s premier trout streams, including the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers with the region’s top guides, to catch rainbow and brown trout. Participants will experience Missoula’s culture, cuisine, and special surprises.
Included in your registration is an opening night reception with cocktails on Sunday, an auction with live entertainment, dinner and drinks Monday night. And finally, we close out the event on Tuesday with an evening of fine dining where we will honor a literary legend with the Writer’s on Water 2026 Award. Hooks for Books is not a competition and anglers of every level will have a great time, but for those who want to challenge their skills, we also offer a few special surprises for the experienced angler. All our events are held in beautiful and historic downtown Missoula, and since guides will meet participants at the hotel, there is no need to rent a car.
More details and how to register can be found here.
IN THE WORDS OF HIS SON
John Maclean was quoted in the UM News release as saying, “At the age of 70, my father sat down and created world literature in 104 pages that transformed an industry, became the model of a state and did all the things that we know ‘A River Runs through It’ has done.
“Those 104 pages have been a volcano of consequence, and it is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read in my life.”
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Gallery Credit: Stacker