Predatory white bass have been found in...

Predatory white bass have been found in the southern part of the Friant-Kern Canal, but there is no chance they can escape into the San Joaquin River at the moment, the state Department of Fish and Game said. Department spokeswoman Sandy Wolfe said the bass were netted near Bakersfield by state employees monitoring the region in the wake of the bass’ escape into Tulare Lake during the winter of 1982-83. If the bass got into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, they could ravage the already declining populations of striped bass and salmon. Last September, Fish and Game Director Jack Parnell approved construction of 21 barriers to keep the bass from migrating from the Tulare basin into the Kings River. The barriers are due to be completed by Feb. 1.