that looks like a pair of monster crappie in that picture....

You have a great looking property! Make sure you develop a realistic plan for the ponds after gathering more info about how deep they are, types and abundance of vegetation and cover, under water structure and possibly water testing. Are their any signs of these ponds overflowing in the past? Also look out for other wild life that may impact your plants such as otters, great blue heron, cormorants, etc. Research your water shed which directly impacts the ponds - you mentioned the springs drying up, see if you can gauge if you're going to run out of water at some point down the road. think long term

How are your kids going to access the ponds for activities? shore access? docks?

Mat Peirce
1.25 acre southeast Iowa pond
LMB, BG, YP, WE, HSB, RES, BCP