Hi
Obviously if it holds water it will work?? There are many Bentoite ponds in my area mainly due to size much cheaper for large ponds Smaller ponds not so much and of course there's always the problem of leaking down the line.
For your uses sounds like a winner?? I'm sure compacting the clay would help a bunch
Why not fill the area up and see how long the water holds?? Nothing lost if it doesn't work
gary

Thanks, I'll try it. I can always drain the pond and put a liner in. I do think the clay will hold. Keep you posted.
Thanks!
MaryMargaret

Water levels can fluctuate wild on a clay, if your Summers are hot and drought chooses drop the water table.

If you have a reliable source of water like a well, spring or stream that can keep it topped up that will make a diff.

If the pond has a shallow profile, the water level can be up and down faster than critters and plants can cope

Its kinda sad to see tadpoles, tiddlers pickled in the sun

If there is an abundant supply of victims willing to dig in clay, try to dig it deep and make an extra deep 'pit' in a couple of semi shaded places, put some cheapo liner, pinned in place with rocks and sod pins in the deep area so should a drought happen, there is a 'refuge' for remnant populations to weather the worst, to repopulate the pond, maintain diversity when it holds water again

Oh, some critters you may want to discourage, bullfrogs and snapping turtles will have a hay day in a drought, gobbling up the survivors...

Having had a natural clay pond for over three years now, I must beg to differ with some of the above responses. It is very natural. Yes, the water level goes up and down but the critters move right along with it and it never ever dries completely up partly because I can top it off the same way each of you can top off yours when they lose water by evaporation or other means. I have no liner cheapo or otherwise, pinned in or otherwise (it would only collapse eventually anyway because of the shifting clay). The pond is clear and I can see all the way to the bottom on any given day. There are snails, frogs, fish along with other abundant wildlife that visit the pond. I don't think anyone should be discouraged from digging in clay and I think calling them victims is very unnecessary. Liners haven't been around forever but ponds sure have. If any "victims" have any questions about natural clay ponds, feel free to email me privately. It can be done and done successfully and beautifully.

When you dig deeper into clay the clay gets denser and more reliable to pin a liner into as a last measure to hold water in a droughting pond.

Oh, droughts can be coped with succesfull? beautifull?

Prove how water levels dropping one foot per week and faster on a clay pond can be made 'beautifull'

Marymargaret,
If the area is already holding water that's a good sign. You can ask someone locally that builds bigger ponds, like half acre and up, if it will hold enough water. (ask people with back-hoes:)
Your idea of a dry creek bed is a good one, You don't want it filling with sediment in a year or two. It may over time but then it's just another couple of hours of backhoe work.
My family had a pond like that in southern Texas when I was a kid. Still there, I saw it on Google Earth! (put in 35 yrs ago)
Why would you want a pump? (you didn't say).

There are companies out there who dig holes for testing the ability of the soil to perk or drain water where septic systems are required. I think you can find one in the yellow pages or check out a company recommended by a local contractor. They deal with it all the time. If necessary, they can help you figure out how much Bentonite needs to be worked into the clay you already have to make it hold water effectively.