What You'll Find at Duck Pass Trail Lakes

Duck Pass Trail reaches three alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra's Inyo National Forest, roughly 10,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. The trail accesses Arrowhead Lake, Skelton Lake, and Barney Lake in sequence, each holding brook trout and golden trout depending on elevation and recent stocking. The hike is steep and rocky but manageable for anyone with moderate conditioning; most anglers fish Arrowhead and Skelton, while Barney sits higher and sees less pressure. The trail begins near Mammoth Lakes and offers genuine solitude compared to the valley's busier waters.

These lakes are not easy-access destinations. The trailhead sits at roughly 9,600 feet, and the path climbs another 1,400 feet over 3.5 miles to Barney Lake. But that elevation and remoteness mean fewer anglers, smaller crowds, and fish that respond to standard techniques. The water is cold year-round, and the season runs roughly mid-July through September, when snow clears the pass.

Key Takeaways

  • Duck Pass Trail reaches three alpine lakes holding brook and golden trout, with Arrowhead and Skelton offering the most accessible fishing.
  • The trailhead is near Mammoth Lakes; the hike climbs 1,400 feet over 3.5 miles to the highest lake, making it a half-day or full-day outing depending on which lake you target.
  • The season runs mid-July through September; snow blocks the pass before and after, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
  • California fishing regulations apply, including a two-trout daily limit and the requirement to check current stocking reports before you go.
  • No motorized access, no camping at the lakes themselves, and no water treatment systems on-site mean you must carry what you need and plan your water carefully.

Getting to the Trailhead and Parking

The Duck Pass trailhead sits in the Mammoth Lakes area, accessed via Mammoth Scenic Loop Road. From the town of Mammoth Lakes, head west on Lake Mary Road, then follow signs toward Coldwater Campground. The parking area is small—roughly a dozen spaces—and fills by mid-morning on weekends during peak season. There is no fee to park, but the lot has no services, no water, and no restrooms beyond a basic vault toilet.

If the Duck Pass lot is full, nearby alternatives include the Coldwater Campground parking area and the Lake Mary parking lot, both within a few miles. From there, you can walk to the trailhead or backtrack to find space. Cell service is unreliable in this area, so do not count on it for navigation or emergencies.

The Hike: Distance, Elevation, and Conditions

The trail to Barney Lake is 3.5 miles one way, gaining roughly 1,400 feet. Most of that gain happens in the first 2 miles; the path then levels slightly as it approaches the lakes. Arrowhead Lake sits at about 2 miles and 1,100 feet of elevation gain—a reasonable turnaround for anglers who want a shorter day. Skelton Lake is roughly 2.5 miles and sits only 200 feet higher than Arrowhead, making it an easy extension if you have the time.

The trail is rocky and exposed in places, with loose scree common above 10,000 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer, so start early and plan to be off the pass by early afternoon. The path is well-marked but steep; trekking poles reduce strain on the knees on the descent. Expect the hike to take 45 minutes to an hour to reach Arrowhead, and another 30 to 45 minutes to Skelton.

Snow typically blocks the pass until mid-July; call the Mammoth Ranger District or check the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions before you drive up. Early season (July and early August) means snow patches near the lakes and potentially unstable banks. Late season (September) offers the most stable conditions but shorter fishing windows before the first major snow closes the pass.

Fish Species and What to Expect

Arrowhead and Skelton lakes hold brook trout, with occasional golden trout in Skelton. Barney Lake, at the highest elevation, holds primarily golden trout and sees less frequent stocking. Brook trout in these lakes run 8 to 14 inches on average; golden trout are typically smaller but more colorful and fight harder for their size. All three lakes are stocked periodically by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, though stocking schedules vary year to year.

These are not trophy fisheries. The appeal is the setting, the solitude, and the reliable action on small flies and spinners. The water is clear and cold, which means fish can see poorly presented offerings clearly. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, and overcast days often outfish sunny ones. The lakes freeze solid in winter, so there is no winter fishing here.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses

California fishing regulations apply throughout Duck Pass Trail. You need a valid California fishing license, which you can purchase online, by phone, or at sporting goods stores in Mammoth Lakes. The daily limit is two trout per angler, and there is no minimum size requirement, though most anglers practice catch-and-release on fish under 10 inches.

Bait fishing is allowed but less effective than flies or small spinners in these clear alpine waters. If you use bait, pack out all waste; these lakes have no natural food sources, and leftover bait can harm the ecosystem. Check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking report before you go; it lists which lakes received fish in the current season and when.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Water treatment is essential. The lakes are cold and clear, but giardia and other pathogens are present. Carry a water filter, purification tablets, or a lightweight boiling system. Do not rely on the water being safe to drink untreated. Bring at least 2 liters of capacity for carrying treated water, or plan to treat water at the lakes themselves.

Pack layers: the temperature at 11,000 feet can drop 20 degrees from midday to evening, and afternoon thunderstorms bring wind and cold rain. Bring a rain jacket, a fleece, and a warm hat even in August. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential; the sun reflects off snow and water, and mosquitoes are heavy in July and early August. Trekking poles reduce knee strain on the descent and help with balance on rocky sections.

For fishing, bring a 4- to 6-weight fly rod or a light spinning rod. Small dry flies (size 14 to 18), nymphs, and spinners in sizes 0 to 2 all work. These lakes do not require specialized tackle, but light gear makes the hike easier and the fishing more enjoyable. A small backpack (20 to 30 liters) is sufficient for a day trip; if you plan to camp nearby (not at the lakes), bring a larger pack and a tent rated for alpine conditions.

When to Fish and Seasonal Considerations

Mid-July through mid-September is the practical fishing window. Snow typically blocks the pass before mid-July, and the first major snow in late September or early October closes it again. July and early August see the most mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorm activity. Late August and September offer the most stable weather and the fewest insects, but the season is shorter and the water is colder.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can develop in 30 minutes. Lightning is a real hazard at 11,000 feet with little shelter. Start your hike by 7 a.m. and plan to be off the pass by 2 p.m. If a storm develops while you are fishing, move away from the water and seek shelter in a low spot away from tall trees.

The lakes are accessible only on foot; there is no motorized access and no camping at the lakes themselves. Backcountry camping is allowed in Inyo National Forest with a free permit, but you must camp at least 100 feet from the lakes and 200 feet from streams. Most day anglers fish Arrowhead or Skelton and return to town the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a backcountry permit to fish Duck Pass Trail?

No permit is required for day fishing. If you plan to camp overnight, you need a free wilderness permit from the Mammoth Ranger District. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and can be obtained at the ranger station in Mammoth Lakes or online through the Inyo National Forest website.

What is the best time of year to fish these lakes?

Late August and September offer the most stable weather, fewest mosquitoes, and clearest skies. July and early August have more afternoon thunderstorms and insects but longer daylight hours. The pass is typically snow-free from mid-July through mid-September; call the Mammoth Ranger District to confirm conditions before you drive up.

Can I fish all three lakes in one day?

Yes, but it is a full day. Arrowhead is 2 miles, Skelton is 2.5 miles, and Barney is 3.5 miles one way. Most anglers fish Arrowhead and Skelton (a 5-mile round trip) and return by early afternoon. Reaching Barney and fishing it requires starting very early and moving quickly, leaving little time to actually fish.

What should I do if I encounter snow on the trail?

Early season (mid-July to early August) often has snow patches above 10,000 feet. The trail is usually marked with cairns, but snow can obscure the path. If you lose the trail, backtrack to the last cairn and look for the next one. Microspikes or light crampons help on steep snow sections; many anglers carry them in early season even if they do not plan to use them.

Are there other fishing options near Mammoth Lakes if Duck Pass is closed?

Yes. Lake Mary, Horseshoe Lake, and Twin Lakes are all accessible by car and offer similar trout fishing with less elevation gain. The Mammoth Lakes area has dozens of lakes and streams; the Inyo National Forest website and local fly shops have current information on which waters are open and productive.