I have seen pics of that beautiful blue water pond , I know better.

You are right that Bob's question is big and tough to address.

A few thoughts :

1 -- I would want to be sure that any dirt work did not cause a leak.

2 -- I don't know about costs on dirt work but I would lean toward using the dozer to clean out at the edge down to 2 ft and the track hoe for bottom structure. First be sure the bottom is hard enough -- you don't want to get the dozer or hoe stuck.

3 -- If I had access to aeration I would get some started in several locations but not from the bottom but from about 3 feet. Try to keep the top 3 feet loaded with O2 until more water or cold weather or both. If low alkalinity I would add some ag lime (a little at a time) to the water to improve its buffering ability and help with water quality. A good time to lime the dry areas including some in the feeder creek.

4 -- If O2 is ok fish will survive assuming he gets some water. If water goes down and fish are crowding I would start catching the larger fish . See if you can trade them for fish later on. If and when the pond fills the remaining fish will increase spawning and growth to fill the ponds carrying capacity . If needs arise then later use your credit to fix the situation.

5 -- I would leave the weeds alone for now - a good source of O2 and shade to keep temps down. If they are to crowded I would hand remove some by boat.

Who's next !!! \:\)