In my opinion, several areas are needed where structure is present that covers 3-6' sections of the water column-vertically, with overlapping depth coverage.
For example... If pond is 20', there needs to be a few structures covering 20' up to say 15', then several structure types starting on bottom in 16-17' going up to say 10-12'-in a vertical fashion. Need to intersect the water column in a way that allows fish to move "up & down" on that particular structure, not just in and out following pond slope. A couple of earthen piers from bank line out to 5-7' protected with riprap covers the shallower portions and adds shoreline structure and the very important diversity and extended linear feet.
Bill is correct in that the forage would utilize more riprap if laid down in "beds" up to and above the actual waterline-which will be where a good percentage of forage species will produce-and survive. but they will be moving out and collecting on other vertical structures later that are important also but it's important to have that available up shallow for the forage to continue to cycle in a more protected environment.