I know that in Lake Huron, they do catch them. Specifically speaking, wouldfowl bay on the South East side of Saginaw bay around the Sebawaing area. They also catch them out of the Saginaw river which would mean they have access out to Lake Huron.

They do catch them in the Detroit river in the canals and cuts so they do have access out in to Lake Erie. Another destination where they are caught is the Swan Creek Area around the Fermi Nuclear plant and in the bay and channel at Sterling State Park.

On the west side of the State, they are caught in the river and channel leading out to the Port of Grand Haven, Muskegon lake with access to Lake Michigan, White Lake with access to Lake Michigan, Pentwater lake with access to lake Michigan, Pere Marquette lake with access to lake Michigan, Manistee lake with access to lake Michigan, and Portage lake with access to lake Michigan.

What do all these areas really have in common? Slow moving water, resting areas, or areas you would consider as "bays" or "tributaries". The majority of them have little (if any) reason to actually travel out in to open water. I would however say that if you could find areas of structure you "might" have the ability to find crappies in open water. Places like "Orchard beach" in Lake Michigan where there is a large rock pile is one that comes to mind.

My thought is that the "open water" areas of our great lakes doesn't hold enough structure holding areas to allow for piles of fish. Places where there are weeds and other hiding spots. My thought is that the open water areas are simply too turbulant to sustain their normal way of life. Wind and waves effect the bottom. Being as their isn't very many weeds in open water, the plankton and the baitfish are directly effected by the moving currents, wind, and waves, I would say that these fish move in to these bays and connected lakes as they have more of the life supporting attributes they need.

Not saying they are not out there and if you find one, you will find 100 probably. I just think that there simply isn't the life support they need in those open water areas. I have 100's of hours trolling Saginaw bay and have yet to catch one crappie. I do have a few spots where they are "likely" to be found but, I have other things on my mind in that area!