Lawrie Sanchez's new-look side responded to their agonising late defeat at Arsenal four days earlier by recording a first win of the campaign in anything but conventional circumstances.
Fulham were the beneficiaries of a horrendous goalkeeping error by Jens Lehmann on Sunday, but it was they who were dealing out the early presents at Craven Cottage.
Tony Warner, outstanding against the Gunners, collected Nicky Hunt's long throw in the 12th minute before bumping into the considerable figure of Zat Knight and spilling the ball into the path of Heidar Helguson.
The former Fulham forward - starting his first game for his new side after his summer switch - could not believe his luck and slipped the loose ball home from eight yards.
It was an ideal early fillip for Wanders in the wake of their listless 3-1 reversal at home to Newcastle on the opening day, but their joy was to be short lived.
It took the Cottagers just ten minutes to respond when Helguson inadvertently flicked the ball into David Healy's path and the Northern Ireland forward finished smartly from close range.
Fulham sensed nervousness in Bolton and after El Hadji Diouf was booked for dissent three minutes later, Alexei Smertin lashed home from 20 yards courtesy of a crucial deflection from Bolton's Gerald Cid to give Fulham the lead at the break.
Wanderers began the second half in sprightly fashion and would have been level but for a full-length save from Warner to deny Nicolas Anelka.
Diouf lashed across the face of goal on the hour mark, while Healy's intelligent running caused problems at the other end.
As Fulham retreated, the Bolton threat increased and the visitors were their usual menace from set pieces.
They were, however, unable to find a way past Warner to leave Sammy Lee's troops pointless after two games.