Kevin,
If you don't mind spending the money you can lay burlap over your grass seed and stake it down with wire staples to prevent erosion. Your grass will come up right through the burlap. By the time your grass is established the burlap will deteriorate.
It's about $100.00 with shipping for 100 yard by 6 foot rolls.
I've had heavy downpours and absolutely no erosion on very steep banks.
I fill my new ponds with well water and this keeps them clear. I absolutely hate dealing with muddy/clay suspended ponds and this prevents it.
http://www.daybag.com/
