Nearly 10 cars were waiting at the entrance to Hyalite Canyon for the gates to open and Forest Service folks say, they've seen a steady flow of traffic ever since.

"When we closed the reservoir, we wanted to keep the people safe and, of course, the firefighters safe and we said that we would allow the people back in as soon as we could so, at this time, we feel fairly confident that the fire has been burning within itself and there hasn't been a direct threat to the public at this time," says the Bozeman Ranger District's Fire and Education Officer Marianne Baumberger.

The Forest Service is expecting around 1,000 visitors to Hyalite Canyon, Saturday. By 8 am, a little over two hours after they opened the gates, they had already seen over 100 vehicles.

David Marett was in the canyon fishing when it was evacuated. He says he kept in touch with the Forest Service and was first in line when the canyon re-opened, ready to cast his line in Hyalite Creek.

"I have better luck fishing in the mornings and I usually head back to town about noon. So, it's been real good. This is a nice are to fish up here," says Marett.

But Marett's not the only angler who got an early start.

"I was up at three o'clock this morning. I couldn't sleep a wink all night long, I tried. I was so excited that they were opening back up because neither one of us has actually been out fishing in three weeks. That's like not having a glass of water in three weeks," exclaims Bozeman resident and angler Brad Croad.

Croad and his buddy Ward Olson were a little disappointed after they learned the reservoir was closed to watercraft in case helicopters needed it for bucket drops. But Croad says he wasn't upset for long.

"Got my pole, went right down, threw it out. It hit the water. It took me maybe three minutes and I had a fish on already," explains Croad.

Between the two of them, Croad and Olson say they caught and lost a total of about two dozen fish.

When it comes to fire, Croad says he's not worried about the Millie, but says he is concerned about folks not taking the proper precautions when it comes to fire danger.

"People smoke cigarettes and they're not in their cars and we've seen them already," says Croad.

That's why he's hoping, as folks return to Hyalite, that they remain vigilant so everyone can enjoy the canyon for years to come.

"If you're going to use the forest, you have to be a very good caretaker," explains Croad.

Forest Service officials remind folks campfires are only allowed within metal Forest Service rings in Gallatin National Forest.

They say, if you're going to smoke, do it in an open area or in your vehicle.

Also open to the public are Swan Creek Trail and Moose Creek Road.

The South Cottonwood, Little Bear and Storm Castle areas will remain closed to ensure firefighter and public safety, at this time.