I posted recently about the ice conditions from last weekend. Ice was 21"-24" where i explored and I can't imagine that it has changed much since then (consistent cold nights). that said ... BE CAREFUL ... I don't believe for a second that you should think the whole lake is safe. The launch at the provincial park was in great shape for vehicle access. Pressure crack is running north -south just west of the park and a minor east-west pressure crack north of the island (north of the launch) that you can sneak around. While I am catching lots (pike and whitefish) ... the Walleye continue to elude me there so I can't help much there with hot spots but there is great bathymetric mapping available for the lake to help plan your adventure.
http://esrd.alberta.ca/forms-maps-se...nts/newell.pdf
The last couple times I have been there ... there are groups of people clustered in certain areas ( I suspect targeting large pike) and to my great surprise ... no one was "carefully" exploring anywhere else that I could see!! My opinion has always been ... if you want walleye ... you have to either get lucky staying put in a spot or look hard for them. I choose to hunt for them.
I am sure other guys might offer some thoughts but you can always do what I did and search the history available in this forum ... it is a fantastic resource and you may get more information to help your quest. It also demonstrates that you are willing to work for information which in turn could lead to getting acquainted with some of the guys "in the know".
I know there are members of the forum out there right now that might help you with a current update on ice conditions and if they are generous perhaps a spot or two.
Good luck and be safe.
FFG