Trigger Bugger - Trout Trolling Fly

About this product

The Trigger Bugger takes the classic Woolly Bugger pattern and rebuilds it from the ground up for trolling applications that demand durability, consistent action, and big-fish results. Designed by Cal Kellogg, it features a marabou tail and hackle-wrapped body that breathes and pulses at a wide range of trolling speeds, from a dead-slow kokanee crawl to a faster open-water troll for trophy rainbow trout. The reinforced head holds up to repeated strikes and the saltwater-quality hook ensures solid hookups on hard-charging fish. Available in over 20 proven color patterns covering everything from natural baitfish tones to high-attractor UV patterns.

Sold as a 2 pack

Overview

A legendary fly, reimagined for trolling domination.

For decades, traditional Woolly Buggers in black, brown, and olive have been trusted by anglers to catch trout of all sizes. But at Catch America, we wanted more—we wanted a lineup that excels in every season, destination, and condition. Enter the Trigger Bugger Trolling Fly by Catch America, designed by senior lure designer Cal Kellogg to be the ultimate trout trolling fly.

With a carefully curated selection of high-contrast, high-attraction color combinations, the Trigger Bugger lineup ensures that no matter the water clarity, light conditions, or fish temperament, you’ll have the right fly to trigger more strikes. Whether trout are dialed in on natural forage patterns or aggressively chasing bold colors, the Trigger Bugger adapts to their mood and environment.

✔ Premium-tied trolling fly based on the legendary Woolly Bugger
✔ Dynamic, high-contrast colors designed to excel in any water condition
✔ Designed for year-round trolling success
✔ Perfect for trout of all sizes—from pan-sized fish to trophy-class giants
✔ Created by Cal Kellogg, backed by decades of on-the-water experience

Whether you need subtle or bold, the Trigger Bugger Trolling Fly by Catch America has you covered.

How to use

Troll at Varying Speeds – The Trigger Bugger performs best at 1.3 to 2.5 MPH, delivering a lifelike, undulating action.

Pair with Dodgers or Flashers – Enhances attraction and increases visibility in deeper water.

Experiment with Colors – Choose natural tones for clear water and brighter, high-contrast colors for stained or murky conditions.

Adjust Depth Accordingly – Use lead core line, snap weights, or downriggers to target fish at different depths.

Always Have One in Your Spread – The Trigger Bugger consistently produces, making it a must-have in any trolling setup.

Questions and answers

What is the Trigger Bugger best for?

Trolling for trout of all sizes. Designed by senior lure designer Cal Kellogg, this reimagined Woolly Bugger delivers a lifelike, undulating action. It comes as a 2-pack in high-contrast colors, so you have the right fly for any water clarity, light, or fish mood.

How fast do you troll the Trigger Bugger?

It performs best at 1.3 to 2.5 mph on a slow troll. Cal Kellogg targets about 1.8 mph on hybrid lead core, working the top 10 to 15 feet, and adjusts speed by watching how the fly undulates behind the boat.

Should I tip the Trigger Bugger?

Cal Kellogg tips it with a small piece of nightcrawler for extra attraction, which has turned a mediocre fly bite into a very good one. At Eagle Lake, an olive Trigger Bugger with a bit of crawler outproduced every other color he tried.

What color Trigger Bugger works best?

Choose natural tones like olive, black, and brown in clear water, and brighter, high-contrast colors for stained or murky conditions. The 2-pack lineup spans over 20 colors, including Captain America, Confetti, and Sunburst, to cover any lake or season.

How do you rig the Trigger Bugger for depth?

Pair it with a dodger or flasher to boost attraction and visibility in deeper water, then use lead core line, snap weights, or downriggers to reach the fish. Cal Kellogg also runs it behind an action disc set about a half inch from the hook eye.

What pairs well with the Trigger Bugger?

Run it behind the Mini Willow Dodger. The small dodger adds flash and a slow wobble ahead of the fly without overpowering its undulating action, a slow-troll combo Cal Kellogg leans on for finicky wild rainbows.