I have a little experience with some of the western states you mentioned (California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico). I live in California. The fishing can be pretty tough in Arizona and especially NM. I personally think Colorado and Utah have better fishing but that's based on my limited experience. However the bass fishing at Roosevelt lake in Arizona and Navajo lake in New Mexico can be great for largemouth and smallmouth. In Cali the fishing at Clear Lake, Berryessa, New Melones, and the Delta can be awesome. Each about 3 hours from San Jose.