What You'll Find on Duck Pass Trail

Duck Pass Trail climbs to three alpine lakes—Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney—each holding brook trout and golden trout in water cold enough to keep them active all summer. The trail starts at Barney Lake Trailhead (also called Duck Pass Trailhead) west of Mammoth Lakes and gains roughly 1,000 feet over 3.5 miles to reach Barney Lake, the lowest of the three. Arrowhead and Skelton sit higher, requiring additional scrambling and route-finding beyond the main trail. These are not heavily stocked waters—the fish are smaller and fewer than you'll find in lower-elevation lakes—but the remoteness and the high-country setting make the hike worth the effort if you want solitude and don't mind working for your catch.

The trail itself is well-maintained and popular with backpackers heading deeper into the Sierra, so you won't be alone on the path. But most hikers pass through without stopping to fish. The three lakes sit in a steep cirque with rocky shores and limited camping, which keeps day-traffic light and overnight crowds manageable compared to other Mammoth-area destinations.

Key Takeaways

  • Barney Lake is the easiest to reach at 3.5 miles from the trailhead; Arrowhead and Skelton require additional climbing and scrambling off-trail.
  • All three lakes hold brook trout and golden trout, but fish are smaller and less abundant than in lower-elevation Sierra lakes.
  • The trail opens in mid-June most years and remains fishable through September, though snow can linger into early July.
  • Bring a light rod and small flies or spinners; the fish are selective and the water is clear and cold.
  • Day-hiking is possible but steep; most anglers camp at Barney Lake or beyond and fish multiple days.

Getting to the Trailhead and Timing Your Visit

From Mammoth Lakes, drive west on Lake Mary Road toward the lakes basin. Continue past Lake Mary to Barney Lake Trailhead, which sits at the end of the road near a small parking area. The drive takes roughly 20 minutes from central Mammoth. The trailhead elevation is about 8,200 feet; Barney Lake sits at 9,300 feet, and Arrowhead and Skelton are higher still.

The trail typically opens in mid-June, though snow can block the upper sections into early July depending on the year. Call the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or check the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions before you go. The best fishing window is July through September, when the water warms slightly and insect activity picks up. August and early September tend to be most reliable, with fewer afternoon thunderstorms than July.

Fishing Barney Lake

Barney Lake is the destination for most anglers on this trail because it's the easiest to reach and offers the most accessible shoreline. The lake is roughly 15 acres and sits in a rocky basin with sparse vegetation. Brook trout dominate, ranging from 6 to 10 inches, with occasional fish to 12 inches. The water is very clear, which means fish spook easily and require a careful approach and fine tippet.

Fish the inlet stream where it enters from the north—that's where most of the trout hold, especially in the morning and evening. The eastern shore has some deeper water and is less exposed to afternoon wind. Barney Lake has a small campground nearby, making it practical to spend a night and fish morning and evening rather than trying to cover the lake in a few hours during the middle of the day.

Reaching Arrowhead and Skelton Lakes

Arrowhead Lake sits about 0.5 miles north of Barney Lake, but the route is steep and requires scrambling over talus and around cliff bands. There is no maintained trail; you'll be following cairns and picking your own line. The lake is smaller than Barney and holds a mix of brook and golden trout, with fish typically smaller than Barney's population. The remoteness is the main draw—you're unlikely to see other anglers here.

Skelton Lake is even more remote, sitting above and east of Arrowhead. Reaching it requires another scramble and route-finding. Most anglers skip Skelton unless they're spending multiple days in the basin and want to explore. If you do make the effort, expect small golden trout and very few other people. Bring a map and compass or GPS; the route is not obvious, and it's easy to waste time looking for the lake if you're not careful.

What Tackle and Flies to Bring

Pack a light rod—a 4-weight or 5-weight is ideal for these small, selective fish. The water is clear and cold, and the trout have seen little pressure, so they're not spooked by gear alone, but they are picky about what they eat. Bring small dry flies (size 16 to 20) in patterns like Adams, Pale Morning Duns, and Caddis. Nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 work well, especially Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails. If you prefer spinning, use small spinners (size 0 or 1) in silver or gold, or small spoons.

Tippet should be 4X or 5X for dry flies and 3X or 4X for nymphs. The fish are not leader-shy, but fine tippet helps with presentation in the clear water. Bring more tippet than you think you'll need—the rocky terrain and snags will cost you flies and tippet regularly. A small net is useful but not essential; the fish are small enough to hand-land if you're careful.

Camping and Overnight Logistics

Barney Lake has a small campground with a handful of sites, but it fills quickly on weekends. There is no water at the trailhead, so fill your bottles before you leave Mammoth or at the first water source on the trail. The inlet stream at Barney Lake is reliable and cold. Treat all water before drinking.

If you plan to fish Arrowhead or Skelton, you'll need to camp at Barney and make the scramble as a day trip, or camp in the high country if you have a backpacking permit. The Inyo National Forest requires a wilderness permit for overnight trips; you can get one at the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or online through the Forest Service website. Day-hiking is also possible if you're fit and start early, though the 7-mile round trip to Barney plus fishing time is a full day.

Weather and Hazards

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, especially between 2 and 5 p.m. Start fishing early and plan to be off the high ridges by early afternoon. Lightning is a real risk in this exposed terrain. The trail crosses several streams that can run high with snowmelt in June and early July; bring a walking stick to help with crossings.

The scrambles to Arrowhead and Skelton involve loose rock and steep terrain. Wear good boots and move carefully. A fall here is serious—you're far from help. If you're not comfortable with steep, exposed scrambling, stick to Barney Lake. The weather can change fast; bring a rain jacket and extra layers even if the forecast looks clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I day-hike to Barney Lake and fish the same day?

Yes, but it's tight. The hike is 7 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you start at dawn, you can reach Barney by mid-morning, fish for a few hours, and be back at the car by early evening. Most anglers prefer to camp and fish morning and evening when the fish are more active.

What's the difference between the fish in these lakes?

Barney Lake holds mostly brook trout, which are hardier and more abundant at this elevation. Arrowhead and Skelton have more golden trout mixed in. Goldens are slightly larger on average but fewer in number. All three lakes have small fish compared to lower-elevation Sierra lakes; expect 6 to 10 inches as typical.

Do I need a wilderness permit to fish here?

You need a permit only if you're camping overnight. Day-hiking and fishing do not require a permit. Overnight permits are available at the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or through the Inyo National Forest website. They're free but limited, especially on weekends.

When does the trail usually open?

Mid-June is typical, but snow can block the upper sections into early July. Call the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or check the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions. July through September is the reliable fishing window.

Is the water safe to drink?

The inlet stream at Barney Lake is cold and clear, but you should treat all water before drinking. Giardia is present in high-country lakes and streams. Bring a filter, tablets, or a lightweight stove to boil water.