I knew you were joking and so was I. The general issue with older ponds is, as you referenced, maybe silted in. Another is water quality. Years of dead leaves, etc can create an unhealthy mess. Pine tree country also can take some periodic doctoring of the water. Retiring, you will have lots of time to ponder it.

How far is the possibly snake infested water hole from the house?

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP