Spread throughout a vast and magnificent wilderness, British Columbia's fly-in fishing lodges bring a whole new meaning to getting away from it all. As the term suggests, "fly-in" fishing locations are lakes and other outback water systems that can only be accessed by airplane - usually of the small, two-engine variety. But by no means does backcountry mean backward, and the range of amenities offered at these remote resorts is as varied as the colours on a rainbow trout, from fine dining and luxury suites to camp coffee and log cabins.

Take Crazy Bear Lake Lodge in BC’s Cariboo-Chilcotin Forest Region. Remote, wild, pristine and rustic, Crazy Bear is as unspoiled as unspoiled gets. It doesn’t offer five-star meals and massage therapy – it doesn’t have to because its clients come for one thing and one thing only: the pure joy of fishing in total wilderness. "The air is so clean and clear on a moonlit night you can sit outside and read a newspaper," says owner Frank Naumann. "There’s no pollution, no noise, no phones, no electricity. The solitude is absolute."

Until you hook a scrappy wild rainbow trout. Measuring up to 60 centimetres, these fearless, feisty fish will put up a ferocious fight to avoid capture. That said, catches of up to 30 fish per day are not unusual, the bulk of which are released (Naumann will smoke up to six fish for your departure).

Float tubes, fins, boats and motors are available at each of the six lakes surrounding the lodge where it’s nestled among the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of BC’s rugged coastal range. Guests are on their own to hike as far as their energy and spirit allow and ought not to miss spending a night away from the lodge in a traditional Indian teepee equipped with sleeping bags and cooking utensils.

According to Naumann, Europeans and Americans are particularly attracted to fly-in fishing adventures, though Canadians still generally form the largest portion of the clientele. Some lodges will provide guides, while others (like Crazy Bear) let guests loose to explore the freshwater lakes and streams on their own. Most operations also provide guests with the equipment they'll need to successfully fish in the area, including rods and reels (fly, spin or troll), tackle and lures, plus a variety of boats. Trips are usually all-inclusive multi-day affairs, costing an average of $600 per day.

There’s nothing average about the luxurious Sonora Resort, though, including the price, which runs about double the average. The fly-in Haida-style resort located near Campbell River on Sonora Island boasts a gamut of ways to spoil yourself including fine wine and dining, spa treatments, spectacular theme suites and a resistance lap pool to name a few. Oh, and the fishing. There’s freshwater fishing accessible by jet boat or helicopter, but the area’s legendary salmon fishing is definitely the marquee attraction. Troll the waters for all five Pacific salmon species – chinook, coho, pink, chum and sockeye – under the tutelage of expert guides in the calm waters of the inside passage.

Sound too cushy for a fishing adventure? Then head to BC’s north coast to the Queen Charlotte Islands where fishing is no day at the beach. Brutal ocean conditions like howling winds, lashing rain and Gravol-popping swells occasionally occur – though most often it’s the fishing that’s extreme while the weather is sedate, explains Martin Paish, general manager of Northern Resorts which includes the fly-in MV Salmon Seeker. "This is the most productive fishing off the coast of BC. On a bad day, you’re hooking a dozen. On a good day, up to 40 – and that’s at least a half hour per fish so you can imagine how dynamic the environment is."

One minute, you’re scanning the ocean surface to glimpse a dolphin or a humpback whale; next, your reel is spinning wildly, the line is screaming and a violent, desperate pull is straining muscles you never knew you had. The next hour is a battle of power and will as you fight to land a mighty salmon that can weigh up to 35 kilograms.

For some people, this adrenaline-pumping adventure is the perfect escape from the drudgery of daily life. But for those who seek peace and quite to rejuvenate, BC’s fly-in fishing scene offers far more tranquil getaways. Case in point: Diana Lake Lodge. Located in BC’s spectacular Rocky Mountains, this solitary log cabin sits in a flower-strewn meadow between a sparkling, trout-filled mountain lake and a bubbling, crystal clear stream. There are no motorised vehicles here, no gift shops and no neighbours (unless you count the abundant local wildlife). Access is by helicopter and the lake, which sees very little fishing pressure, is teeming with dolly varden, rainbow and cutthroat trout ready to be caught (and released) by the fly angler or spin caster. The rustic, private cabin is equipped with propane heat, hot water, showers, lights, a wood stove, gas range and fridge and all meals are included.

For anyone visiting world-famous Whistler, pristine wilderness is but a 50-minute float-plane ride away, over beautiful glaciers and water falls to a remote mountain lake to fly-fish for rainbow trout and dolly varden char. Through Valley Fishing Guides, you can book for one night or up to seven in the rustic log Lohetta Lodge where everything including meals, fishing gear and instruction is included.

British Columbia’s salmon scene may be the province’s prime fishing attraction, but for anglers who live to explore, this majestic land of rivers, lakes and mountains is about far more than just salmon fishing. "In terms of access to public fisheries, diversity of species and overall esthetics, BC is the mecca for sport fishing in Canada, if not the world," says Travis Lowe, a guide with Rocky Mountain Angler. From the Rockies to the waters off the West Coast, the province is home to countless trout, salmon and steelhead streams, thousands of freshwater lakes and the open waters of the Pacific, all offering unparalleled opportunities for anglers of every skill level.

There’s top notch fly-in fishing lodges throughout BC. The following are just a few more options for the adventurous angler.

Fortress Lake Lodge: Located in Hamber Provincial Park in the spectacular BC Rockies, Fortress Lake is teeming with wild stocks of eastern brook trout. Six rustic cabins accommodate just 12 guests at a time and the hearty meals are all old-fashioned goodness, the perfect compliment to the rugged, magnificent setting.

Caverhill Fishing Lodge: Built in 1947, the wilderness tradition is alive and well at Caverhill, located 100 kilometres north of Kamloops in the beautiful Thompson-Okanagan. Fish for the famous kamloops trout in over 15 pristine lakes from the classic wooden boats which make for a unique exploring experience. Relax in the authentic Finnish sauna and embrace the silence of a solar-powered resort.

Sund’s Lodge: Renowned for its great fishing, exquisite dining and splendid service, Sund’s Lodge is located on the inside passage of Vancouver Island on peaceful Malcolm Island. Professional guides and protected waters abundant with all five species of salmon ensure a productive fishing experience topped off with the superb comforts of this exclusive lodge.