Winter- water temp or water clarity

I recently ran into a situation where there was a warming tread with heavy rain. The water temp was 48-49 on the main river but I located a large creek arm that was as high as 55 way in the back but the water was muddy. I know bass move away from the back of creeks in the winter but would that change if the water temp is that much higher? Should I eliminate that water during the winter no matter what the temp? This is a tidal river with stained water.

Update: Went back to the same creek and caught them on a frog. I guess water temp wins! Frog fishing in January!!!