Hook, I put blue cats in my pond about fifteen years ago and, even after a massive fish kill six years later, suspect that I still have at least one or two left. They must be huge now. Catfish get hook shy quickly and, soon enough, you'll probably have bullheads that find their way into your pond.

You might want to stay with the tried and true bluegill, redear and LMB combination.

Although my pond was around two feet low about seven years ago, you'll discover that down here your pond will stay within a few inches of full pool without supplemental water provided that you don't hit an unusual stratum that drains your pond. Likely, you'll have clay all the way down, but drilling test holes before digging would remove any doubts you might have.

Do your research on the ideal bottom contours, overflow, etc. (books are available on this site) and do it right at this perfect time.