I have been going through my IBC growbeds and cleaning the sludge out. I was very surprised to find 6 surviving fathead minnows in the one I cleaned today. We have had some cold night-time temps.Three were red and 3 were the normal color. I put them into the main fish tank. Hopefully in a few months, I will have alot of fry.
I don't consider Fathead minnow a good choice for me. These are just 2 to 3 inches in size and have a lifespan of just 2 to 3 years. These need a depth of at least 29 inches preferably have some planting. They are also resistant to the bad quality of water and need proper Dissolved Oxygen, I guess.
However, good thing is that you can keep them along with all other species of pond fish.
If you're okay with downsides, you should raise them. These are preferable baitfish.