The second half offered Bolton a chance to recover, but Wigan returned with little intention of allowing the match to become competitive again.
They moved the ball quickly, pushed their full-backs higher and continued to find space around the edges of the penalty area.
Bolton tried to press, but each attempt to regain possession left gaps that Wigan were increasingly comfortable exploiting.
And it translated when Fletcher completed his hat-trick with a loose ball dropped invitingly inside the box.
He reacted before the defenders around him, getting to it first and guiding his finish past the goalkeeper.
It was a straightforward goal in its construction, but it left Bolton with another problem to solve and gave Wigan a two-goal cushion.
The Latics continued to attack, and Dawson soon turned to his bench.
Ezra came on and immediately brought fresh energy to the right side, taking on his marker and driving towards the edge of the area.
