Once they reach 3 inches, which takes three to four months, they are transferred to one of the narrow outdoor raceways.

“The trout, you basically try and get an inch a month. Salmon are a little slower,” Nelson said. “They’re not as aggressive, at least here, anyway. This is only my first bunch so maybe the next bunch will go better. They’re supposed to be raised in saltwater, so it’s a challenge all the way around.”

Nelson’s second batch of salmon eggs he received in 2013, all died when the fish refused to eat his feed.

He also has had problems with bald eagles and great blue herons poaching his ponds and raceways of fish.

A few weeks ago, ducks pulled up watercress near the spring house.

The remains clogged a pipe that feeds the raceways and ponds and reduced the flow of water which left his salmon gasping for air.

“I was lucky I was home,” Nelson said. “They’re a lot more finicky and fragile.”

Unlike trout however, which need constant cool water temperatures, Atlantic salmon can better tolerate warmer water, Nelson said.