not sure on how to help with the watering but I used annual rye in my pond basin last fall when it was filling. it came up quick and pretty thick. hoping it gives the GSH some grass underwater to spawn on. I planted more rye on rest of exposed clay couple days ago. also I overseeded by hand some more grass seed around pond edge.
.75 acre pond dug in September 2016. YP, HBG, HSB, SMB, and RES.
I put down wheat with my fescue. Both came up great. No watering, but we had nice rainfall and it was late summer when we planted. The wheat attracted a fair number of turkeys too..
9 yr old pond, 1 ac, 15' deep. RES, YP, GS, FHM (no longer), HBG (going away), SMB, and HSB (only one seen in 5 yrs) Restocked HSB (2020) Have seen one of these. I think that's about all I should put in my little pond. Otter attack in 2023