Yes, you could get more fish 'usage' of those areas.
Conventional wisdom says HSB like 'open' water, but I've seen them in all areas of my ponds.
Threadfin Shad supposedly hang in open water, so you may look into that, but they may not survive your winters. I say that about TF shad because if they are in open water, other fish will go there too.
Hmmm. I've been reading about both the HSB and TF as they both intrigue me. I think the TF wouldn't survive (as you said), and I'm under the impression that Gizzard Shard are a no-no in a pond. I have golden shiners and if my memory serves correct they are considered an open water forage fish, which would be good for the HSB.
Of course I'm always leery of introducing anything that could possibly change my ecosystem or end up making a drastic change to what I have.
