words by Jeremy Latch
photos by Barry Scott

The Dams on the Connecticut River have created a real barrier for the migratory patterns of the Atlantic salmon. During the brief period known as the Industrial Revolution, every town adjacent to a cascade or waterfall wanted to harness the river’s flow.

People created dams and canals diverting the water into giant brick temples to make paper, or cutlery, or taps, or dies.

Before that, people rode logs down the river. They simply had to skip a stone, and a giant salmon would jump into their pot. Before that, the salmon and the people all watched each other’s children. They curled up together where the waters were shallow; told stories and were pleased to know that seasons would last forever.

Today in the model town I live in they raise fish called barramundi in fiberglass infinity pools. They situate the vats overlooking the Connecticut river to make the fish feel like they’re really getting somewhere. They are just like free fish. No matter how much they swim there is no end to the water. 

The barramundi’s flavor is described as not at all fish-like. It is perfect for your friend or family member who doesn’t actually like fish. But like fishy tasting fish, if you take them out of the water, they die.