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Frequently Asked Questions

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.