Also, make sure that the ground is good enough so that it will hold water without having to be compacted in those areas.

Personally? I'd like to see the stumps dug out and the whole pond basin compacted.

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).