I'd only throw out literally a single handful of pellets in the new area at the same time of day, every day until you see trout feeding in the new area. I have the feeder in my pond set over where the winter aerator is so I don't have that problem.

Once the water gets cold and ice forms, the feeding response in my pond slows WAY down. This year I only have a few trout in there so I won't be feeding during the winter. Even one second will throw more food than they can consume.

The only way to know if they are consuming sinking feed is to get a camera down there and see.