Eastland that is one tough question without having seen the land. I think it sounds like an excellent PB thread. Get some topos and pics and lets see what the real pond makers and dirt guys here say. When I get in a situation like this I call Mike Otto. With water being worth its weight in gold in your area I like the concept of capturing as much as possible from as many sources as possible. Plus it gives the wildlife 2 different water source areas to thrive in. On the other hand having 2 ponds close enough/connected (one pond below the other) gives you water transfer options via pump.

I would not let the forage part make my decision . That is only a very minor factor. Growing and moving forage fish is not to hard. Put them in feed them and seine them out to an big tub and move them. The quicker the better with minimal handling. Plus you can do the blocking net option . I think you have the nets from your old place.