I first tried the sprinkle method. That is tossing it out into the water and hoping it finds the leak. It all floated to the side.
The next time, I hauled 100 pound sacks to the leak area and dumped it. No luck(or maybe no skill).
The next time I hauled enough sacks to completely cover the pond bottom. Next I broke open the bags and dumped the bentonite. I then got my tractor and disked it in.
These were 3 different small dry ponds on my land. I've quit messing with them and consider them dry holes.