GPR :

A pond can be as much or as little work as you want to do or have done. Make a note of this as you read and think about what you want. While the basics of ponds are similar every pond is different with its own characteristics and reactions. I have never seen or heard anyone say they were happy with the results of a stock - occasionally fish - and forget (management) pond with LMB , BG/RES, FH and CC. They will get out of balance (in the south usually to many small LMB ) over time without management.

Fertilizer and/or feeding are tools to increase the capacity of a pond to carry/produce more fish. You don't have to do either and can do either on a scale from 0 to 100 %. It is not an all or nothing choice and they can be used in combination. The management of the process is the key to making it work. We have a pond that has limited fertilization and feeding that has a sand beach and is great for swimming.

Its all about what you want and how to get there. Start by deciding what you want from the pond and how you will manage the situation either yourself or by having someone help.

With all that you said the most telling thing was "the pond will not be heavily fished". Tell us what that means and how many of what type of fish you want to harvest (not catch and release) each year? With a pond goal of not being subject to heavy harvest many ponds are better off not having their capacity raised by fertilization or supplemental feeding.

With that we can help you get where you want to go.

On the cover question see this link to lots about cover and pond ideas. Some woody cover (xmas trees etc) in shallow water ( 2-5 ft) is good .

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=000022