Starting a small backyard pond??

[Dry Bones]

So I started my dig for a small yard pond, and would like all the information I can get on it. I borrowed a tractor for the intitial hole. Had planned on trying it by hand, but our ground is mostly clay and HARD!! The initial hole is now much wider than anticipated, and not as deep, found a rock pile in the ground (whole different story) and had to pack clay in on top to hopefully seal the bottom. The ducks will not be aloud to play in the pond once it is further along, but for now, they are enjoying it.
Any information or pics of what you have done is appreciated. Also any recommendations on vegetation?

[Draco]

Is it going to have a liner? Is it a Koi pond?

[Dry Bones]

I am going to see if it will fill first before going the Liner route. As much clay as our soil has it should hold providing I packed in enough around the rock situation.
As for the fish, not exactly sure. The answer originally would have been yes to Koi, but we have been thinking about maybe bluegill, seasonal talapia, or just cheap goldies. I have some structure that will go in as well, regardless of liner situation.
-The bonus of the liner is it does help keep the water much more clear easier, but I am told the water can be clear with the right vegetation.

[MBV77]

Think you're just going to have a big mud hole that's going to evaporate even if it will hold water.


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[Cajun Blake]

You're gonna attract hogs with that wallowing hole

[Dry Bones]

MBV that is a concern, just a dang mud pit. But I intend on putting in a small fountain on the deeper end, I did something similar when I lived in Waxahachie, but MUCH smaller scale. The only time I had water issues was when the wind would blow hard enough to spray the fountain stream off the pond. There is a good fence all the way around my house, so the pig issue should be minimal, that and the fact that there are two regular sized fishing ponds not far behind us.

[Dry Bones]

Update. I was not ready for the rain, and this will be a slow, when I have the opportunity, situation. However, I did get a little more done. The white rock pile at the top closest to the start of the pic still has to be removed. It is not part of the pond or its feature.