What is the setting of A River Runs Through It?

A River Runs Through It is the title of both the novel and a short story by Norman MacLean.  It is based on his life in and around Missoula, Montana.  This area of Montana is where the story takes place. 

The setting is very important to the story, as much of it takes place outside in nature because of Norman and his family's love of fly fishing.  In describing his family, MacLean explained that they "lived at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana."  This was one of the first things MacLean mentioned when describing his family background, which emphasized the importance of setting in the story.  He went on to describe how important fly fishing was to his family.  A favorite spot for fly fishing of MacLean and his brother was the Big Blackfoot River in Montana.