So i got the local guys out and they bore tested down to 8 feet at the 4 corners of where my pond is going. I have 20-28% clay down to 4 foot and 60% clay from 4 feet to 8 feet. I would like to dig the pond 8 foot deep and 2 acres so I would like to test the soil down to 12 feet in multiple spots to make sure I have a good base of clay for the bottom of the pond. One reason I am concerned is that the Govt. map shows a change in soil type right at the north edge of where my pond will sit. I am thinking more along the lines of measure twice and cut once.

I spoke to the local guy and his bore only reaches down to 8 feet. Anyone have a suggestion for a good tool I could buy and dig the holes myself?

You can rent a small trackhoe and dig down to 10 to 15' to search for clays. I'm no expert but I have done this. It's not hard to do. Suggest you buy Mike Otto's book on building ponds. you can find it here on PB. I would also go deeper than 8' if you can because of the droughts we all go through from time to time. We have been going through one for the past couple years here just west of Shreveport. An 8 foot pond might be a 5 foot pond in those cases. And Welcome to the PB Forum. An expert should along shortly.

I just ordered "Just add water" and the trackhoe is a great idea!