Begining Lagering- Couple Questions

[humboldthomebrew]

This will be my first lager i am brewing today, I'll be using 6lbs extra light DME, 1/2lb of light clover honey (ORGANIC), 1/4 40Lovibond Crystal Malt for a little color, 1 oz of continental hops for bittering, and 1/2 oz of fresh cascade for flavor and aroma.
Using Wyeast California Lager Yeast

Now do i do primary fermentation in the closet at ale temps like my other brews, and secondary fermentaion at lager temps in my fridge. Or do I affix the blow-off method in my refridgerator at about 45-50 degrees and do primary ferm as well as secondary in the refridgerator.
What are the best temps to lager at?
any other tips for a beging lager
Also Should I make a starter for my yeast?

 

[Yooper]

A large starter is crucial for a lager. I made about 1/2 gallon starter before my first (and only) lager.

As far as temperature for fermenting, you should follow the temps recommended by your yeast:
2112 California Lager Yeast California Lager Yeast
Warm fermenting bottom cropping strain, ferments well to 62 deg.F (17 deg.C) while keeping lager characteristics. Malty profile, highly flocculant, clear brilliantly. Apparent attenuation 72-76%. Allegedly, the Anchor steam yeast.

I've never made a steam beer, so I'll have to defer to the experts on that!

Edit- Just reread that you're brewing today. You won't have time for a starter!

 

[fatboy570]

Lagers arent all that difficult. You can start fermentation at room temperature overnight to get the yeasties going good, then move to fridge. I have no argument for or against starters, Ive never used one and always had good luck even with my higher gravity (1.065-80) beers. I do use yeast nutrient and aerate very well before pitching. Looking at what Wyeast and Yeast Labs have to say, about 60 degrees would be a good temp for a California Common (Steam beer). When doing a colder ferment such as Oktoberfest or dopplebock, Ive found it necessary to keep a close eye on temps, 45-55. If they get too cold, they take longer to ferment

 

[Yooper]

No they aren't difficult at all, just a little different. Here's some good info in the wiki: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Fermenting_Lagers