The pond dig itself is now complete. Today we will do some final dressing to the banks and dig in the artisan line. The small pond portion has cleared up except for a reddish tent but the large side is very cloudy from the constant digging. Not sure how long it will take to settle out. The level seems to have settled as well.

Still trying to figure out how to inject air into the artisan line (four inch).

I am fairly settled on the fish now as well. I have now talked with enough pond owners to find that the most successful are stocked with local bluegills and larger mouth (as you've suggested). Works for me so I will stock a week from friday if the water clears enough by then.

Thanks for your responses. Jon