I would do as you were thinking and dig a trench to drain the pond. Make it real easy to get rid of the silt and muck from the bottom and way cheaper than pumping. A pan scraper is the most cost effective way of moving a lot of dirt. And like you were thinking, line the water side of the dam with clay to plug up your leaks.


1/4 acre [NOT BIG ENOUGH] about 10' deep [NOT DEEP ENOUGH] The weeds are taking over Saving up money to rent Exc, I sold mine. EX Pond Digger!