I think DD1 has some good advice wrt depth. Our biggest pond is about 20 ft deep. Even though the fish won't often utilize the deeper water, especially in the heat of the summer, having a pond that deep is necessary where we're located.

The pond is not always full given our propensity for severe droughts, and that last 10 ft of unused water has ended up being all the water we've had for a few months at a time. I'll take some "wasted" water for part of the year to have the peace of mind in knowing that our fish will survive a drought. Depending on how much rain you can expect, you may want to keep the pond that deep, unless you are using a well or the pond is spring-fed.

Last summer, all of our neighbor's ponds were completely dry. Granted, most were "tanks" used solely for cattle with a max depth of maybe 6 ft., but I'll still take 20 ft any day. Nothing is worse than a pond full of beautiful fish getting too low. Not only do you risk morts, but having confined fish without the proper structure and cover can throw your balanced fish populations out of whack. Just my 2 cents. Keep us posted on your progress!

"Only after sorrow's hand has bowed your head will life become truly real to you; then you will acquire the noble spirituality which intensifies the reality of life. I go to an all-powerful God. Beyond that I have no knowledge--no fear--only faith."