Panhandle,
You're pond sounds just about like mine. 1.5 Ac built 3 yrs ago by a guy whose built lots of ponds and was pretty sure it would'nt leak. It leaked from the first rain. I dugout the bottom and used alot of Bentonite and a sheepsfoot to no avail. Come to find out that it's the dam itself that leaks top to bottom. I dug a pit below the dam to collect the water and pump it back in. May sound silly but my pond is full and has been for over a year. I lose about an 1/2 inch or less a day. If we have normal rainfall for this area it will stay full. It's a bit of a mess on the back of the dam, impossible to mow with a tractor or rider, but it sure is a pretty pond.
Several people told me it takes awhile for them to seal but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. \:\)