rrussler, like JHAP says, welcome aboard and congrats on your project kicking off.

Various underwater contours are great for fish. A cliff type contour in the bottom is very good. You can improve on that by varying the cliff a few ways such as cutting into the cliff in a few areas to make a gradual lane from shallow to deep. Underwater humps and any kind of "changes" are good fish gathering areas.

Having an 8' drop-off underwater is maybe more than needed, and perhaps if you are going to use to the pond for swimming, it could be dangerous for those who can't swim that well. If you have livestock, it could be dangerous also.

Another point to consider is if you will have fluctuating water levels. If so, you want to factor that into your plans.

Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."