Need advice: Connecticut River, Vermont

I want to do a solo kayak run on the Connecticut River from Putney Landing, Vermont (http://bit.ly/2uhNC29) down to Broad Brook, Vermont, just below Brattleboro (http://bit.ly/2uhxmhU). Google Maps shows the distance is about 8.5 miles. Has anyone here done this? Any info on current, hazards, dams, etc? And do I need a launch permit? I’m using an Aspire 105, which is pretty stable and tracks well.