Creating a pond in California/permits?

I'm having plans to purchase a property where I could have a pond (already existing or to be dug).
I would look for a property in Mariposa/Sonora counties. If I have to dig it, I would like it to occupy maybe 1/2-1 acre. Max. depth say, 4 feet. The pond would not be intended for commercial use, though I would like to have some fish in it. I understand that I would have to obtain a permit for the pond. I guess, that is all I know. Tried to look what sort of official requirements are there or guidelines, could not find any. What I noticed however is that permits for wells are based on the concept of "public interests". What is the general practice on pond permitting here? Any stories, personal experience? Eager to hear it!

from what I know of permit laws in california is that each county has their own laws. there are certain laws they all have to have. to find out everything you will have to find out for each county you are considering as a possible place to purchase the land. some counties may not require any permits. I was looking into this earlier today and found a forum where someone had gone through the process of talking with someone who worked for his county about permits and in the end it turned out he did not need a permit but did need to follow certain laws for how close the pond was to any of the borders of his property.

I used to live in California, but never had to deal with ponds/permits/water rights, etc.
Here are a few links that may lead you to answers to your questions.
In the past, CA has not been as militant as other western states regarding water rights.
However, after decades of mismanagement, they are realizing their folly, and 'word on the street' is that this year, they will be drastically cutting irrigation water to much of the state's agriculture.
These links will only give you a starting point. Hopefully, they will lead you to what you seek.

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/board_info/faqs.shtml
http://www.extension.org/mediawiki/files/b/b7/FarmFishPondManagementinCalifornia.pdf
http://www.proaqua.com/images/regualtions.pdf